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The Watchers #1
The Watchers
This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans—and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers? Why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned? And, most importantly, how can she escape?
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans—and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers? Why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned? And, most importantly, how can she escape?
310 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2021
About the author
A.M. Shine
6 books970 followersA. M. Shine is an author of Literary Horror from the west of Ireland. It was there that at a young age he discovered a passion for classic horror stories, and where he received his Masters in history, before ultimately sharpening his quill to pursue a life devoted to all things literary and macabre. His writing is inspired by the trinity of horror, history, and superstition, and he has tormented, toyed with, and tortured more characters than he will ever confess to.
Owing to a fascination with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and his ilk, A. M. Shine’s earlier writings were Gothic in their style and imagination. When his focus turned to novels he refined his craft as an author of Irish horror – stories influenced by his country’s culture, landscape, and language, but which draw their dark atmosphere and eloquence from the Gothic canon of his past.
He is represented by John Baker of Bell Lomax Moreton Literary Agency.
Owing to a fascination with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and his ilk, A. M. Shine’s earlier writings were Gothic in their style and imagination. When his focus turned to novels he refined his craft as an author of Irish horror – stories influenced by his country’s culture, landscape, and language, but which draw their dark atmosphere and eloquence from the Gothic canon of his past.
He is represented by John Baker of Bell Lomax Moreton Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,197 reviews
October 5, 2021
I really enjoyed the concept of this horror, though I think it would have made a better novella, with a hundred or so pages of bloated purple prose cut out. I liked the beginning, the ending, and the major plot points, but everything between them was too drawn out and overwritten. There were moments when I considered not finishing it, but in the end I actually finished it in less than 24 hours.
Mina's car breaks down at the treeline of a forest that you won't find on any map. In the middle of nowhere, Mina is forced to seek help inside the trees, where she discovers three people living inside a concrete bunker. She soon learns they are trapped there by the stuff of nightmares. When night falls, they need to be inside the bunker, or the watchers will get them. During the day, they can stumble helplessly through the forest looking for an escape, but heaven help them should they stray too far and not make it back before dark.
The best parts were the use of Irish mythology and the eerie forest setting, though I would say, overall, that my mood was more intrigued than it was scared. The scariest part for me was the penultimate chapter.
Mina's car breaks down at the treeline of a forest that you won't find on any map. In the middle of nowhere, Mina is forced to seek help inside the trees, where she discovers three people living inside a concrete bunker. She soon learns they are trapped there by the stuff of nightmares. When night falls, they need to be inside the bunker, or the watchers will get them. During the day, they can stumble helplessly through the forest looking for an escape, but heaven help them should they stray too far and not make it back before dark.
The best parts were the use of Irish mythology and the eerie forest setting, though I would say, overall, that my mood was more intrigued than it was scared. The scariest part for me was the penultimate chapter.
July 21, 2023
Four strangers trapped in an isolated bunker in a mysterious forest, surrounded by monsters. Able to roam during the day to collect water and scavenge for food, while the creatures sleep, but must be back inside before dark when they wake! Loved the use of Irish folklore. Film adaptation due next year.
March 18, 2022
I was brand new to this author, and with St. Patrick's Day this week, I just felt like I needed to focus on some unique stories that dealt with Irish lore. The beginning was good, enough to keep me reading, and the writing quality itself is done well. But the story fell into a Stephen Kind-esque trap, and went into very intense details and sidetracked itself to cover every single thing. And honestly, it took me away from the core plot many, many times. The Watchers were very creepy and reminded me a bit of the pseudo-vampires in the most recent I Am Legend movie, and the author does a superb job of creating a really eerie and scary atmosphere throughout. But again, the excessive details and more 'telling than showing' set-up, made this a bit of a hard read to get through. The ending was also good, but sort of felt like it was expected, and the twist wasn't as impactful as it could have been.
Because this is a debut novel, I rounded up with my rating, and I think if the author really honed in on his ideas and simplified his storytelling, they would come across better. But I'd keep my eye on this author!
Because this is a debut novel, I rounded up with my rating, and I think if the author really honed in on his ideas and simplified his storytelling, they would come across better. But I'd keep my eye on this author!
March 11, 2023
My thanks to Aria and Aries, A.M. Shine and Netgalley.
I've put off this review for a few months now.
It's not a difficult review, it's just that it gave me a few nightmares. Alot!
It shouldn't have. Really, it's not that terrifying! But, for some reason it got stuck in my head.
I'm not going to review this. Just know that the forest is deep. Once you're in, it's difficult to get out. And what follows by the wayside..
I've put off this review for a few months now.
It's not a difficult review, it's just that it gave me a few nightmares. Alot!
It shouldn't have. Really, it's not that terrifying! But, for some reason it got stuck in my head.
I'm not going to review this. Just know that the forest is deep. Once you're in, it's difficult to get out. And what follows by the wayside..
July 1, 2024
A.M. Shine's The Watchers kicks off quickly, with the opening section following a husband and wife, who seeking an adventure, go for a drive through the wickedly-enchanting lands of Connemara, in the West of Ireland.
The events of that drive set the tone, and also the stage, for the rest of the story. Needless to say, I was hooked.
We then meet our MC, Mina, who along with an unusual copilot, a beautiful Golden Conure, also goes traveling through those same wild lands.
Mina's trying to make a quick buck. It should be easy, delivering the parrot safely to its new owner. When her car breaks down on the abandoned road though, her task suddenly becomes anything but easy. Mina exits her car, bringing the bird with her, as she searches for help.
The woodlands are eerie enough, but the screams make it all so much worse...
With no cell phone reception, or clue as to where she is, Mina has to keep going. There's no telling how long it could take another car to come along this way.
Eventually she comes across a woman, shouting at her and waving for her to enter a concrete bunker. Scared out of her wits by the woods, Mina does as she's told and enters the shelter. From there, she becomes captive to that seemingly safe space. A hostage of what's lurking in the woods.
If you're expecting answers quickly, don't be. Part of the success of this story is the way that Shine builds that sense of uncertainty and unease. My thoughts were swirling as Mina entered the shelter.
What the heck was going on? The other residents of the shelter, Madeline, Daniel and Ciara, all seem like they've been there for a while, but just how long is unclear? And what is watching them? What are they afraid of?
I will say, about a third of the way through, it did start to slow down for me. We focus more on the characters at that point, and their forced interactions in the tiny shelter.
Part of me feels like that may have been intentional by the author. Perhaps as a way to lull the Reader into a bit of complacency, because just as you forget how much danger these characters are in, it rears its ugly head again and that fear and suspense is back.
Even with this pace change though, I was still intrigued and invested in finding out what the truth was.
This ultimately went in a direction I wasn't expecting and there were a few reveals, as the conclusion approached, that I found to be so clever and disturbing.
I was definitely impressed with the atmosphere and horror concepts that Shine delivered here. This type of unsettling Folk Horror is something I tend to enjoy and this one will now live rent-free in my brain for a long time.
I recommend this to any Horror Reader, particularly if you enjoy unsettling atmosphere and Folk Horror that can get under your skin and stay there. I would also recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Pines by Blake Crouch, or Bird Box by Josh Malerman.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. The Watchers is a very solid story of Irish Folk Horror. I found it disturbing in the best ways. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
The events of that drive set the tone, and also the stage, for the rest of the story. Needless to say, I was hooked.
We then meet our MC, Mina, who along with an unusual copilot, a beautiful Golden Conure, also goes traveling through those same wild lands.
Mina's trying to make a quick buck. It should be easy, delivering the parrot safely to its new owner. When her car breaks down on the abandoned road though, her task suddenly becomes anything but easy. Mina exits her car, bringing the bird with her, as she searches for help.
The woodlands are eerie enough, but the screams make it all so much worse...
With no cell phone reception, or clue as to where she is, Mina has to keep going. There's no telling how long it could take another car to come along this way.
Eventually she comes across a woman, shouting at her and waving for her to enter a concrete bunker. Scared out of her wits by the woods, Mina does as she's told and enters the shelter. From there, she becomes captive to that seemingly safe space. A hostage of what's lurking in the woods.
If you're expecting answers quickly, don't be. Part of the success of this story is the way that Shine builds that sense of uncertainty and unease. My thoughts were swirling as Mina entered the shelter.
What the heck was going on? The other residents of the shelter, Madeline, Daniel and Ciara, all seem like they've been there for a while, but just how long is unclear? And what is watching them? What are they afraid of?
I will say, about a third of the way through, it did start to slow down for me. We focus more on the characters at that point, and their forced interactions in the tiny shelter.
Part of me feels like that may have been intentional by the author. Perhaps as a way to lull the Reader into a bit of complacency, because just as you forget how much danger these characters are in, it rears its ugly head again and that fear and suspense is back.
Even with this pace change though, I was still intrigued and invested in finding out what the truth was.
This ultimately went in a direction I wasn't expecting and there were a few reveals, as the conclusion approached, that I found to be so clever and disturbing.
I was definitely impressed with the atmosphere and horror concepts that Shine delivered here. This type of unsettling Folk Horror is something I tend to enjoy and this one will now live rent-free in my brain for a long time.
I recommend this to any Horror Reader, particularly if you enjoy unsettling atmosphere and Folk Horror that can get under your skin and stay there. I would also recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Pines by Blake Crouch, or Bird Box by Josh Malerman.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. The Watchers is a very solid story of Irish Folk Horror. I found it disturbing in the best ways. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
July 21, 2022
This author could have written about anything and I would have devoured it. I’m sure he can make eating a sandwich interesting simply by describing it in his unique way. His linguistic skills are enviable, and it was even more impressive that in addition to being beautifully written, it was a good story as well. Glad I discovered this book!
September 21, 2021
Watchers, in theory, had it going on, well on track to be the novel to watch. A creepy setting in the Irish woods, a creepy as all get out take on faeries, a genuinely nice claustrophobic mood throughout and a couple of really excellent plot twists.
And yet, lamentably, it didn’t work. Specifically, it all but collapsed under the weight of its own writing. Weird thing to say about a book, but there it is. This novel was just overwritten into tedium, no consideration for pace, it dragged and lagged quite strikingly for such a reasonable page count, making it seem like a much longer read. The narrative was dense and slow rolling, barely giving itself any rest with dialogue. It just made you sleepy. The main adjectives that come to mind are ponderous and soporific, which is obviously far from ideal.
It's perfectly competent, technically, it just doesn't shine, ironically enough.
So yeah, however well intended, there’s just no character or plot twist or narrative surprise in this book that was worth the plodding slog of reading this book. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. Pass. Thanks Netgalley.
And yet, lamentably, it didn’t work. Specifically, it all but collapsed under the weight of its own writing. Weird thing to say about a book, but there it is. This novel was just overwritten into tedium, no consideration for pace, it dragged and lagged quite strikingly for such a reasonable page count, making it seem like a much longer read. The narrative was dense and slow rolling, barely giving itself any rest with dialogue. It just made you sleepy. The main adjectives that come to mind are ponderous and soporific, which is obviously far from ideal.
It's perfectly competent, technically, it just doesn't shine, ironically enough.
So yeah, however well intended, there’s just no character or plot twist or narrative surprise in this book that was worth the plodding slog of reading this book. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. Pass. Thanks Netgalley.
October 31, 2022
I LOVED IT!!!
It’s like a mix between Lost, The Blair Witch Project, with elements of Bird Box, and steeped in Irish mythology. It was a near perfect creepy slow burn with a few twists and turns along the way.
It’s like a mix between Lost, The Blair Witch Project, with elements of Bird Box, and steeped in Irish mythology. It was a near perfect creepy slow burn with a few twists and turns along the way.
June 28, 2024
A Piece of Literary Art!
First of all, the writing, oh my. It shines through spectacularly, pristine in its details. Every letter penned seems forlorn, looking to the next in order to give it proper form; every word appears bleak and unsettling, and every sentence devoid of hope and its happiness utterly eviscerated.
And then...when A.M. Shine has fully succeeded in making me so full of melancholy and sadness, hope and happiness begins to radiate like a much needed ray of sunlight after an eternity spent in the grip of the bleakest winter. And then, just when I'm basking in that warm glow, he goes and dashes my hopes all over again. A true master.
The pacing and narrative is fast and thrilling, while the plot is creepy and terrifying. Perspective switching is handled masterfully, so much so that the reader keeps anticipating the end of a chapter (which are mercifully short and brief).
A truly talented writer that seamlessly blends the details and monologues of literary horror, cleverly insinuating sly humor to go with the excitement and fast pace of page-turning thrillers. An excellent book, especially being a debut, and I hereby do pronounce it highly recommended. I loved every single bit of it.
2024 Read
First of all, the writing, oh my. It shines through spectacularly, pristine in its details. Every letter penned seems forlorn, looking to the next in order to give it proper form; every word appears bleak and unsettling, and every sentence devoid of hope and its happiness utterly eviscerated.
And then...when A.M. Shine has fully succeeded in making me so full of melancholy and sadness, hope and happiness begins to radiate like a much needed ray of sunlight after an eternity spent in the grip of the bleakest winter. And then, just when I'm basking in that warm glow, he goes and dashes my hopes all over again. A true master.
Daniel ran through the forest. Like a wild animal released he didn’t look back. Not once. Toils of ivy snagged his legs. With his hands he fended off barbs of thorns and the wet stems that whipped across his face. He knew the way, but his haste had scattered his bearings. His was a compass spinning in dizzying circles. The trees seemed to shift through the earth, blocking his path, throwing their bodies in front of him as though they had been gifted life and worked their branches like limbs to ensnare him. It was a maze; a darkening, ill-lit labyrinth where decay and dying things ruled supreme. Madeline was still calling his name. She was chasing him, but in that moment – driven by sheer fear – he was faster.The presentation is akin to having your hopes all bundled up in words that inevitably get sucked into an event horizon where all good things meet their frozen end. Therefore, an atmosphere is created that feels listless and claustrophobic; hemmed in from all sides with trepidation, and that's even before the creature feature pops in and ululates its hideous screams.
His breathing was loud and erratic. He muttered senseless sounds that even he couldn’t understand. Panic had gripped Daniel hard with the intent to break him, but instead it threw him forward. He had veered from the route he knew. Despite everything that stood in his way, still he kept one eye on the ground. Some burrows were wide enough to catch at a glance, but others he wouldn’t see until it was too late; until he slipped from the light and fell within their reach. He fought back his tears, but their coming was inevitable.
The pacing and narrative is fast and thrilling, while the plot is creepy and terrifying. Perspective switching is handled masterfully, so much so that the reader keeps anticipating the end of a chapter (which are mercifully short and brief).
A truly talented writer that seamlessly blends the details and monologues of literary horror, cleverly insinuating sly humor to go with the excitement and fast pace of page-turning thrillers. An excellent book, especially being a debut, and I hereby do pronounce it highly recommended. I loved every single bit of it.
2024 Read
June 17, 2023
I enjoyed everything about this book--the writing, the setting, the characters. Mina was a strong and complex protagonist, and I loved the interactions between her and the others, especially Madeline.
The creatures in this tale were creepy and vile. The author's descriptions of their bodies, voices and scents transported me there, and and felt like I could reach and touch them...Not that I'd want to.
I dragged out this book because I didn't want it to end, but I'm going to run out and grab A.M. Shine's other book The Creeper to fill the void I know this one will leave.
The creatures in this tale were creepy and vile. The author's descriptions of their bodies, voices and scents transported me there, and and felt like I could reach and touch them...Not that I'd want to.
I dragged out this book because I didn't want it to end, but I'm going to run out and grab A.M. Shine's other book The Creeper to fill the void I know this one will leave.
September 28, 2021
The Watchers by A.M. Shine is a horror read. The story in this one will make you invest in a good GPS and is told by changing the point of view between the various characters.
When Mina agreed to deliver a parrot for her friend Peter for a little extra cash she never could have foreseen what was coming. As Mina was traveling in the remote roads her car broke down right at the edge of a forest. With nothing behind her for miles Mina heads into the woods with the parrot in tow.
Just as night is beginning to fall Mina sees a woman calling out to her to hurry to a shelter. Mina finds that in the shelter are other travelers who are just as trapped as she now is by the things watching them out in the surrounding woods.
The Watchers by A.M. Shine was a fast paced addicting horror story. I quickly flew through this one engrossed in what was out in those woods and trying to figure out where the story would lead. As weird as it sounds with a group of strangers being trapped the story still had plenty of action then of course a few twists to keep a reader engaged. Definitely a creepy and thrilling tale.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When Mina agreed to deliver a parrot for her friend Peter for a little extra cash she never could have foreseen what was coming. As Mina was traveling in the remote roads her car broke down right at the edge of a forest. With nothing behind her for miles Mina heads into the woods with the parrot in tow.
Just as night is beginning to fall Mina sees a woman calling out to her to hurry to a shelter. Mina finds that in the shelter are other travelers who are just as trapped as she now is by the things watching them out in the surrounding woods.
The Watchers by A.M. Shine was a fast paced addicting horror story. I quickly flew through this one engrossed in what was out in those woods and trying to figure out where the story would lead. As weird as it sounds with a group of strangers being trapped the story still had plenty of action then of course a few twists to keep a reader engaged. Definitely a creepy and thrilling tale.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 21, 2024
THAT LAST SENTENCE BITCH
March 28, 2024
Title: The Watchers
Author: A.M. Shine
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Clearly influenced by Gothic horror icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker, A. M. Shine makes his debut mark on the modern horror landscape with, THE WATCHERS. There are a lot of little secrets in store for readers so this review will tread lightly to preserve those nuggets of discovery.
Mina is a struggling artist grieving the loss of her mother. She’s approached by a friend to see if she would be interested in delivering a bird to a buyer in exchange for some quick cash. She accepts but quickly regrets this decision as she finds herself with a broken-down car in the middle of nowhere. Mina travels on foot into the woods. Hearing some bone-chilling screams, Mina panics and eventually is taken in by some strangers living in an unusual bunker. The story revolves around the mystery of this compound and the unnatural screams in the woods.
THE WATCHERS is a unique blend of character-driven, psychological horror in the drama that plays out among the people surviving in this bunker and a creature feature; outside in the dense woodland are threatening creatures that cannot be seen but they are holding the people in the bunker captive.
The dynamic between the characters is always shifting and evolving as circumstances call upon each of their strengths and weaknesses. Also, the way each person handles the reality of their situation forces the reader to choose among them, who is the most likely to lead the group through this nightmare. And this will change as the story progresses!
The horror capitalizes on the unknown threat of what The Watchers want and not being able to physically see what they look like or how to escape them. Because of the nature of The Watchers, there were elements of this book that were extremely similar to Josh Malerman’s BIRD BOX and Tim Lebbon’s THE SILENCE. Although, there were enough differences to set this one apart enough to make the experience original. I recommend it to readers who enjoy atmospheric, tense, survival horror stories set in the thick, remote forests of Galway.
Author: A.M. Shine
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Clearly influenced by Gothic horror icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker, A. M. Shine makes his debut mark on the modern horror landscape with, THE WATCHERS. There are a lot of little secrets in store for readers so this review will tread lightly to preserve those nuggets of discovery.
Mina is a struggling artist grieving the loss of her mother. She’s approached by a friend to see if she would be interested in delivering a bird to a buyer in exchange for some quick cash. She accepts but quickly regrets this decision as she finds herself with a broken-down car in the middle of nowhere. Mina travels on foot into the woods. Hearing some bone-chilling screams, Mina panics and eventually is taken in by some strangers living in an unusual bunker. The story revolves around the mystery of this compound and the unnatural screams in the woods.
THE WATCHERS is a unique blend of character-driven, psychological horror in the drama that plays out among the people surviving in this bunker and a creature feature; outside in the dense woodland are threatening creatures that cannot be seen but they are holding the people in the bunker captive.
The dynamic between the characters is always shifting and evolving as circumstances call upon each of their strengths and weaknesses. Also, the way each person handles the reality of their situation forces the reader to choose among them, who is the most likely to lead the group through this nightmare. And this will change as the story progresses!
The horror capitalizes on the unknown threat of what The Watchers want and not being able to physically see what they look like or how to escape them. Because of the nature of The Watchers, there were elements of this book that were extremely similar to Josh Malerman’s BIRD BOX and Tim Lebbon’s THE SILENCE. Although, there were enough differences to set this one apart enough to make the experience original. I recommend it to readers who enjoy atmospheric, tense, survival horror stories set in the thick, remote forests of Galway.
September 8, 2021
I literally read this book in one sitting one morning . Impossible to put down, this is classic horror, beautifully written and seriously creepy.
Imagine if Quiet Place and Body Snatchers had a more terrifying baby and you might get a sense of this. It has all the feel of an original Grimm fairytale, not the Disney version but the deeply disturbing kind, where monsters are real and life is a battle for survival against the coming of the night.
The characters are layered and engaging, the story itself unnerving and clever. I was so happy when I'd finished that I read it in daylight, fairly sure I would not have been able to sleep in the immediate aftermath.
If you like a genuinely disturbing read that is also addictive, intelligent and gives you a knockout ending then The Watchers will be for you.
Highly Recommended.
Imagine if Quiet Place and Body Snatchers had a more terrifying baby and you might get a sense of this. It has all the feel of an original Grimm fairytale, not the Disney version but the deeply disturbing kind, where monsters are real and life is a battle for survival against the coming of the night.
The characters are layered and engaging, the story itself unnerving and clever. I was so happy when I'd finished that I read it in daylight, fairly sure I would not have been able to sleep in the immediate aftermath.
If you like a genuinely disturbing read that is also addictive, intelligent and gives you a knockout ending then The Watchers will be for you.
Highly Recommended.
February 1, 2023
Definitely one of the best books I have read. Creepy, atmospheric, and twisty. I did figure out the one twist before the end but still like how it played out. The writing was superb. I tend to shy away from overly descriptive world-building but felt this was perfect. Enough to put me in the scene, not so much I found myself skimming. The characters were well developed and perfectly flawed. Scary but not gory.
June 11, 2024
(Updated) I keep thinking about this book. Originally I rated it 4.5 but I take it back, it’s 5 stars. The writing? Phenomenal. The atmosphere? Dark and spooky. The setting? Immersive and claustrophobic. THAT TWIST? Yeah wtf okay go off. Stoked for the second book and for the screen adaptation
Further thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/@kurryreads/vi...
Further thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/@kurryreads/vi...
March 9, 2024
3.5 Stars
This was a simple yet enjoyable horror story. My favourite aspects were easily the watchers who felt strange and otherly. The characters were likable but not particularly well complex. I would consider reading more by this author.
This was a simple yet enjoyable horror story. My favourite aspects were easily the watchers who felt strange and otherly. The characters were likable but not particularly well complex. I would consider reading more by this author.
December 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this. Extremely creepy and claustrophobic. Only negative is I worked out one of the twists so that part wasn't as shocking
November 8, 2023
This was my first time ever reading a book within any type of club, group, buddy system, etc. (for the Horror Aficionados group). Weird, right? But fun!
Anyway, the book is definitely a slow-burn horror story. I was convinced at the 66% percent mark that I would only be leaving a two-star review. Well, that obviously changed. I'm one of those people who is extremely obsessive compulsive about never DNF'ing a book. However, I'm relatively certain that if I were not one of those people, and had I not been reading this with a group (that encouraged me to read it through to the end before I made up my mind) - I definitely would have put it down.
I did love the author's use of imagery and overall writing style to really set the scene. It was extremely important in the case of this book: establishing a clear picture of the terror these mysterious woods invoked in the characters unfortunate enough to be trapped inside them. As other reviewers have mentioned though, it did get carried away at times. The monotony of their day-to-day lives and their focus on survival was important to describe, but did we need to be subjected to hearing about it for, well... about two-thirds of the book?
I'd go with probably not.
It was really only once it got past the night they made their big discovery (or should I say, Mina's discovery) and hence came up with a real plan that I thoroughly became engrossed in the story. From then on, I felt unable to put the book down (I won't say anything further in risk of spoiling anything for anyone).
Shine did a fantastic job of creating a very palpable sense of dread, and two scenes - about 70% of the way through, and the other about 90% of the way through - encapsulated the despair and hopelessness felt by some of the characters perfectly. Even though one might argue these scenes were drawn out, unlike with the earlier woodlands imagery and descriptions of daily routine, I didn't feel that way at all.
In other words, I was thoroughly creeped out and truly anxious during the entirety of these aforementioned scenes. The ending and the whole "oh, shit" moment of realization, that whole unexpected twist (for me anyway!) along with the suspense-building scenes, are what convinced me that this story deserved four stars. Say what you want about the story itself (everyone is entitled to their own opinion) but I think it's pretty obvious even to those who hated the book that this man can write!
Along with the first part of the book being too lengthy and too repetitive in its imagery, I wasn't a big fan of all the unanswered questions I still had at the book's end. I suppose that is left for the reader to largely interpret, but once I've spent a good portion being bored, then terrified, then awaiting an explanation... I suppose I like things to be wrapped up a little neater, a little cleaner. Maybe a sequel someday to explain a bit more how this all came to pass?
Regardless of my gripes, I feel that the book certainly achieved its two main goals: instill fear in the reader, and constantly keep them on edge.
I know that many people said they saw the twist coming (and I don't doubt that they did), but let's face it: your brain does not function the same way while you're at home, reading a book, as it does when its strictly set on autopilot/survival mode. No one is thinking rationally when they're in survival mode. Their only objective is to stay alive at any cost.
It's just easy to see how if one was stuck in the place of the book's characters, nothing too out of the ordinary would dawn on them until they'd had time to calm down, breathe, and start processing what exactly had happened to them. For life has to return to some semblance of normalcy before one can start to look back at events and, with a clear thought process, make the haunting realizations they were unable to piece together before.
It was that whole complete flipping of the script, from despair, to hope, to despair, etc. - that made this a must-read. It's rare for my mind to change so drastically after reading nearly 70% of the book, but I really did find the twist to be that good. Creepiness factor definitely achieved.
Anyway, the book is definitely a slow-burn horror story. I was convinced at the 66% percent mark that I would only be leaving a two-star review. Well, that obviously changed. I'm one of those people who is extremely obsessive compulsive about never DNF'ing a book. However, I'm relatively certain that if I were not one of those people, and had I not been reading this with a group (that encouraged me to read it through to the end before I made up my mind) - I definitely would have put it down.
I did love the author's use of imagery and overall writing style to really set the scene. It was extremely important in the case of this book: establishing a clear picture of the terror these mysterious woods invoked in the characters unfortunate enough to be trapped inside them. As other reviewers have mentioned though, it did get carried away at times. The monotony of their day-to-day lives and their focus on survival was important to describe, but did we need to be subjected to hearing about it for, well... about two-thirds of the book?
I'd go with probably not.
It was really only once it got past the night they made their big discovery (or should I say, Mina's discovery) and hence came up with a real plan that I thoroughly became engrossed in the story. From then on, I felt unable to put the book down (I won't say anything further in risk of spoiling anything for anyone).
Shine did a fantastic job of creating a very palpable sense of dread, and two scenes - about 70% of the way through, and the other about 90% of the way through - encapsulated the despair and hopelessness felt by some of the characters perfectly. Even though one might argue these scenes were drawn out, unlike with the earlier woodlands imagery and descriptions of daily routine, I didn't feel that way at all.
In other words, I was thoroughly creeped out and truly anxious during the entirety of these aforementioned scenes. The ending and the whole "oh, shit" moment of realization, that whole unexpected twist (for me anyway!) along with the suspense-building scenes, are what convinced me that this story deserved four stars. Say what you want about the story itself (everyone is entitled to their own opinion) but I think it's pretty obvious even to those who hated the book that this man can write!
Along with the first part of the book being too lengthy and too repetitive in its imagery, I wasn't a big fan of all the unanswered questions I still had at the book's end. I suppose that is left for the reader to largely interpret, but once I've spent a good portion being bored, then terrified, then awaiting an explanation... I suppose I like things to be wrapped up a little neater, a little cleaner. Maybe a sequel someday to explain a bit more how this all came to pass?
Regardless of my gripes, I feel that the book certainly achieved its two main goals: instill fear in the reader, and constantly keep them on edge.
I know that many people said they saw the twist coming (and I don't doubt that they did), but let's face it: your brain does not function the same way while you're at home, reading a book, as it does when its strictly set on autopilot/survival mode. No one is thinking rationally when they're in survival mode. Their only objective is to stay alive at any cost.
It's just easy to see how if one was stuck in the place of the book's characters, nothing too out of the ordinary would dawn on them until they'd had time to calm down, breathe, and start processing what exactly had happened to them. For life has to return to some semblance of normalcy before one can start to look back at events and, with a clear thought process, make the haunting realizations they were unable to piece together before.
It was that whole complete flipping of the script, from despair, to hope, to despair, etc. - that made this a must-read. It's rare for my mind to change so drastically after reading nearly 70% of the book, but I really did find the twist to be that good. Creepiness factor definitely achieved.
June 16, 2024
A MUST MUST READ!! So I saw the commercial trailers for the upcoming movie based on this book and even though I prefer to see the movie first and then read the book (as it helps me visualize things) I thought to myself, yeah, this one has been on my shelf for far too long. And man oh man was I ever lucky to finally read this. Just a superb book that in my belief works for so many genres. I will say that it is basically a thriller and it is very easy to keep track of as there are basically five characters in the book and the chapters are pov based on the highlighted character. Each character has their shortcomings and their positives and we learn quite a bit about each.
The main character is Mina who is a struggling artist who really focuses on people's faces. She had done quite a profitable little job for a drunk at the bar who now wants to sell his parrot and he offers her $500 if she can drive it to a remote area of Ireland. Mina agrees but en route her car breaks down and while in it she hears the most blood curdling and scariest of shrieks or yells. Well she exits her car with parrot in tow and looks for help going through the woods. I will point out her cell had died due to the remote area and what else could she really do other than stay in the car but regardless, stay or go out those screams were real and she heard them. So while making her way through the woods the screams get more vile and more loud and she knows she is being chased. Luckily for her she comes upon a cabin like structure with a lot of glass and a woman we come to know as Madeline is yelling at her to hurry up and get in. Mina and the parrot make it.
Once inside we learn from Madeline of the watchers. It's weird but also straight forward in that Madeline explains the hell they are all now in. That there are these creatures outside and you don't want to look at them and they are killers. Apparently there is a deal in place that the creatures are content to watch the now 5 humans inside during the night. The creatures can only leave their burrows under the ground at night and do not come out during the day. The creatures look in on the humans through the glass while screeching away. The humans can barely survive each night due to all the insanity.
As I read this book I thought to myself, this book reminds me so much of Josh Malerman's Bird Box and Marjorie. Yet I have to admit that even though I loved those books and read Marjorie just 3/4 books prior to this one I like this one a lot more. I have read two truly awesome books back to back and that just doesn't happen. And no I didn't jinx myself as the current read is very good too. So I never read the jacket or anything of this book and when I finally did it in fact was compared to Malerman's Bird Box theory. So if you read those books and liked them then think of this as an even superior one. Like Malerman is more methodical and plotting while this one is like a speed train. Things really move here.
So after surviving the first night Mina learns that there is really no avenue of escape from the cabin as the woods are to deep and it takes to long to correctly escape the thick forest land. It seems that when they try finding their way out they simply end up in circles as they have no compass. Ok maybe I can see you doubting this part but the prologue is a chapter on John who came upon the cabin with his wife Ciara. The prologue focuses on John trying to get out of the woods during the day and the detail and what he goes through is awesome and the author AM Shine does a great job in making you believe that yeah these people are stuck in this cabin.
So during the day the five humans have enough time to trap the rare birds that fly in for food. There are no animals in this area of the dense forest due to the Watchers. They also have enough time to make it to a nearby stream for water. So they have the bare minimum to survive on including berries and such.
So Madeline rules this roost and she is tough. She has to be to guide the rest. She feels Daniel who is 19 is weak and a simpleton. She is always putting him down and Daniel is about to break from all the belittling. She thinks Ciara is a lost cause as her husband John has not returned from the prologue. Mina is the only one she kind of respects but Mina does not trust her nor do the others. Madeline disappears a lot during the day and the others just don't get what she is up to.
Man I think I could write about this book all day but I'll try to speed things along. So there is a light that somehow signifies when the Watchers come out. It lights up in the cabin so everyone knows to be in it before it turns on. One day (like 4 months out as the author gives quite a time line through all this) Daniel steals Madeline's keys to lock up the cabin and makes a break for the cabin hoping to lock Madeline out and meet her fate with the Watchers. He does just that but unfortunately Mina gets locked out as well. Madeline and Mina find a hole in the nearby area and bury themselves to avoid the Watchers and it works.
Yet somehow Madeline knows the deal with the Watchers has been broken and there will be hell to pay. So the night spent under the dirt is a hunting night for the Watchers. They know two have escaped and are out to get them. By the next night Madeline and Mina both are back in the cabin as Ciara talked sense into Daniel but when the Watchers come that night they are not there to watch. The deal has clearly been broken and they want in but it is not that easy and the five humans use an extremely heavy table along with their force to hold off the Watchers but the humans know that they will not survive another night.
However, when moving the heavy table they find a hollow area covered by cement and they only have one day to break it open and see what it is. They do get inside and inside is all kinds of food. It is like a bunker and under the cement was a door akin to a submarine door which is open for them but can be locked from the inside. So what are they to do? Stay inside and eventually die when the food runs out? There are actually computers in this bunker and when they power up we see the founder of this cabin a professor Kilmartin. We learn that Watchers are what folklore terms fairees and changelings with the ability to take on human form. The watchers are thin and gangly though and even in human form they kind of maintain that odd look. Kilmartin gets into him discovering this area by studying the history of it. He tells how the cabin was built and how he had cameras placed in the trees to study them. Yet it never worked out and through the glass he interacted with them and even taught them about us. He explains he feels this may have been a mistake. He went on to say that he showed them pictures of his wife and that they took her form and would often distort it in cruel ways making him suffer. He explains they are very bad indeed. He also tells them where a compass is and that he has buried a boat adjacent to a river that is south of them. He explains that by using the compass and getting to the boat that this will be there only chance at survival. It is also explained why this wasn't an option for Kilmartin.
So the next day our five humans set out to escape. It is one hell of a thrill ride. This whole book is one hell of a thrill ride but it is towards the end that we really start to get all kinds of great twists and turns. I really can't get into the ending much as I don't want to spoil things but I did hit on one of the main suspicions I had but I was still absolutely floored by the ending even though I thought I had it all down.
This book sets up for a sequel and I guess it is already out there on netgalley. That won't really matter to me as I will be reading everything and I mean everything this guy writes. Just a fantastic well written, well thought out premise and story. I can't wait to see the movie as well. A very easy five stars!!
The main character is Mina who is a struggling artist who really focuses on people's faces. She had done quite a profitable little job for a drunk at the bar who now wants to sell his parrot and he offers her $500 if she can drive it to a remote area of Ireland. Mina agrees but en route her car breaks down and while in it she hears the most blood curdling and scariest of shrieks or yells. Well she exits her car with parrot in tow and looks for help going through the woods. I will point out her cell had died due to the remote area and what else could she really do other than stay in the car but regardless, stay or go out those screams were real and she heard them. So while making her way through the woods the screams get more vile and more loud and she knows she is being chased. Luckily for her she comes upon a cabin like structure with a lot of glass and a woman we come to know as Madeline is yelling at her to hurry up and get in. Mina and the parrot make it.
Once inside we learn from Madeline of the watchers. It's weird but also straight forward in that Madeline explains the hell they are all now in. That there are these creatures outside and you don't want to look at them and they are killers. Apparently there is a deal in place that the creatures are content to watch the now 5 humans inside during the night. The creatures can only leave their burrows under the ground at night and do not come out during the day. The creatures look in on the humans through the glass while screeching away. The humans can barely survive each night due to all the insanity.
As I read this book I thought to myself, this book reminds me so much of Josh Malerman's Bird Box and Marjorie. Yet I have to admit that even though I loved those books and read Marjorie just 3/4 books prior to this one I like this one a lot more. I have read two truly awesome books back to back and that just doesn't happen. And no I didn't jinx myself as the current read is very good too. So I never read the jacket or anything of this book and when I finally did it in fact was compared to Malerman's Bird Box theory. So if you read those books and liked them then think of this as an even superior one. Like Malerman is more methodical and plotting while this one is like a speed train. Things really move here.
So after surviving the first night Mina learns that there is really no avenue of escape from the cabin as the woods are to deep and it takes to long to correctly escape the thick forest land. It seems that when they try finding their way out they simply end up in circles as they have no compass. Ok maybe I can see you doubting this part but the prologue is a chapter on John who came upon the cabin with his wife Ciara. The prologue focuses on John trying to get out of the woods during the day and the detail and what he goes through is awesome and the author AM Shine does a great job in making you believe that yeah these people are stuck in this cabin.
So during the day the five humans have enough time to trap the rare birds that fly in for food. There are no animals in this area of the dense forest due to the Watchers. They also have enough time to make it to a nearby stream for water. So they have the bare minimum to survive on including berries and such.
So Madeline rules this roost and she is tough. She has to be to guide the rest. She feels Daniel who is 19 is weak and a simpleton. She is always putting him down and Daniel is about to break from all the belittling. She thinks Ciara is a lost cause as her husband John has not returned from the prologue. Mina is the only one she kind of respects but Mina does not trust her nor do the others. Madeline disappears a lot during the day and the others just don't get what she is up to.
Man I think I could write about this book all day but I'll try to speed things along. So there is a light that somehow signifies when the Watchers come out. It lights up in the cabin so everyone knows to be in it before it turns on. One day (like 4 months out as the author gives quite a time line through all this) Daniel steals Madeline's keys to lock up the cabin and makes a break for the cabin hoping to lock Madeline out and meet her fate with the Watchers. He does just that but unfortunately Mina gets locked out as well. Madeline and Mina find a hole in the nearby area and bury themselves to avoid the Watchers and it works.
Yet somehow Madeline knows the deal with the Watchers has been broken and there will be hell to pay. So the night spent under the dirt is a hunting night for the Watchers. They know two have escaped and are out to get them. By the next night Madeline and Mina both are back in the cabin as Ciara talked sense into Daniel but when the Watchers come that night they are not there to watch. The deal has clearly been broken and they want in but it is not that easy and the five humans use an extremely heavy table along with their force to hold off the Watchers but the humans know that they will not survive another night.
However, when moving the heavy table they find a hollow area covered by cement and they only have one day to break it open and see what it is. They do get inside and inside is all kinds of food. It is like a bunker and under the cement was a door akin to a submarine door which is open for them but can be locked from the inside. So what are they to do? Stay inside and eventually die when the food runs out? There are actually computers in this bunker and when they power up we see the founder of this cabin a professor Kilmartin. We learn that Watchers are what folklore terms fairees and changelings with the ability to take on human form. The watchers are thin and gangly though and even in human form they kind of maintain that odd look. Kilmartin gets into him discovering this area by studying the history of it. He tells how the cabin was built and how he had cameras placed in the trees to study them. Yet it never worked out and through the glass he interacted with them and even taught them about us. He explains he feels this may have been a mistake. He went on to say that he showed them pictures of his wife and that they took her form and would often distort it in cruel ways making him suffer. He explains they are very bad indeed. He also tells them where a compass is and that he has buried a boat adjacent to a river that is south of them. He explains that by using the compass and getting to the boat that this will be there only chance at survival. It is also explained why this wasn't an option for Kilmartin.
So the next day our five humans set out to escape. It is one hell of a thrill ride. This whole book is one hell of a thrill ride but it is towards the end that we really start to get all kinds of great twists and turns. I really can't get into the ending much as I don't want to spoil things but I did hit on one of the main suspicions I had but I was still absolutely floored by the ending even though I thought I had it all down.
This book sets up for a sequel and I guess it is already out there on netgalley. That won't really matter to me as I will be reading everything and I mean everything this guy writes. Just a fantastic well written, well thought out premise and story. I can't wait to see the movie as well. A very easy five stars!!
November 3, 2023
THE WATCHERS, by A.M. Shine is a creative take on a small group of humans existing as if they were the creatures IN the zoo. There's a certain section of forest that nobody knows of, electronics and vehicles won't work in the vicinity, and you do NOT want to be caught out there after dark. If you can make it to the "shelter" before sundown, and stay in the light, you may survive until sunrise.
If not, the beings out there will feast.
One of our main characters is Mina, an artist delivering a parrot to someone for easy money. At least, until her car stops at the edge of this forest.... The first 2/3 of the story focuses on Mina and three other humans caught in the woods with her. Madeline, the eldest, acts as a stern "boss" of sorts, instructing the others on what to do in order to survive.
"If you could only see how many of them are out there . . . "
I felt the characterization was excellent here. There were little nuances I picked up from each of the characters, and suspicions of others hiding something back--whether for the mentality of the others, or for more personal reasons.
". . . Was surviving enough without knowing what was trying to kill you? . . ."
The action in this first half did get repetitive after a while. The basics of their new existence rarely varied in the slightest, and everything became routine. If not for the "month headings", you wouldn't know how much time had elapsed.
". . . hope isn't founded on certainties. It's the belief that the bad ending might not happen . . . "
Towards the end, things picked up dramatically. Everything I had learned earlier came into play in some way, and the ending was one I absolutely did not see coming. With the great characters, and the way we get to "know" them, this story really took me away for a while and made me feel a part of the journey.
". . . Some memories become hauntings over time . . . "
Recommended.
If not, the beings out there will feast.
One of our main characters is Mina, an artist delivering a parrot to someone for easy money. At least, until her car stops at the edge of this forest.... The first 2/3 of the story focuses on Mina and three other humans caught in the woods with her. Madeline, the eldest, acts as a stern "boss" of sorts, instructing the others on what to do in order to survive.
"If you could only see how many of them are out there . . . "
I felt the characterization was excellent here. There were little nuances I picked up from each of the characters, and suspicions of others hiding something back--whether for the mentality of the others, or for more personal reasons.
". . . Was surviving enough without knowing what was trying to kill you? . . ."
The action in this first half did get repetitive after a while. The basics of their new existence rarely varied in the slightest, and everything became routine. If not for the "month headings", you wouldn't know how much time had elapsed.
". . . hope isn't founded on certainties. It's the belief that the bad ending might not happen . . . "
Towards the end, things picked up dramatically. Everything I had learned earlier came into play in some way, and the ending was one I absolutely did not see coming. With the great characters, and the way we get to "know" them, this story really took me away for a while and made me feel a part of the journey.
". . . Some memories become hauntings over time . . . "
Recommended.
May 29, 2024
Los vigilantes es una novela de A. M. Shine publicada en español por Nocturna y cuya adaptación cinematográfica se estrena el mes que viene!!
En ella nuestra protagonista, Mina, se ve atrapada con otros 3 extraños (y un loro) en un siniestro búnker con una pared de cristal en medio de un bosque de Irlanda. No pueden escapar porque hay algo que los observa por las noches y les da caza si los encuentra fuera de su refugio.
Es una novela con un ritmo muy rápido que nos mantiene en el borde del asiento desde la primera página hasta la última. Creo que mantienen muy bien la tensión y tiene un buen giro de cara al ultimo tercio de la historia.
Los personajes están bien construidos y, a pesar de sus imperfecciones, les acabas cogiendo cariño a todos, lo que hace que ciertos momentos sean muy duros…
De cualquier forma, lo que más me ha gustado a mí es su ambientación en Irlanda y la influencia del folklore celta. Sin lugar a dudas es una historia que se presta para ser adaptada a la gran pantalla!!
Sin embargo tienen un fallo, y es que creo que hay un plot hole demasiado flagrante como para intentar ignorarlo, ya que hace que parte de la historia no se sostenga… El miércoles subiré reseña a YouTube y hablaremos de este problemita.
En resumen, es una historia que engancha y se lee rapidísimo y que a mí me ha encantado (con plot hole y todo) y por eso le he puesto 4/5⭐️
En ella nuestra protagonista, Mina, se ve atrapada con otros 3 extraños (y un loro) en un siniestro búnker con una pared de cristal en medio de un bosque de Irlanda. No pueden escapar porque hay algo que los observa por las noches y les da caza si los encuentra fuera de su refugio.
Es una novela con un ritmo muy rápido que nos mantiene en el borde del asiento desde la primera página hasta la última. Creo que mantienen muy bien la tensión y tiene un buen giro de cara al ultimo tercio de la historia.
Los personajes están bien construidos y, a pesar de sus imperfecciones, les acabas cogiendo cariño a todos, lo que hace que ciertos momentos sean muy duros…
De cualquier forma, lo que más me ha gustado a mí es su ambientación en Irlanda y la influencia del folklore celta. Sin lugar a dudas es una historia que se presta para ser adaptada a la gran pantalla!!
Sin embargo tienen un fallo, y es que creo que hay un plot hole demasiado flagrante como para intentar ignorarlo, ya que hace que parte de la historia no se sostenga… El miércoles subiré reseña a YouTube y hablaremos de este problemita.
En resumen, es una historia que engancha y se lee rapidísimo y que a mí me ha encantado (con plot hole y todo) y por eso le he puesto 4/5⭐️
February 15, 2023
You can't see them. But they can see you.
This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers and why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?
I went into this book honestly not expecting much because I had read ‘The Creeper’ not too long ago and I was sadly disappointed with it. However… ‘The Watchers’ was FANTASTIC… Everything I love in a horror story.
It reminded me of old ghost tales… don’t go into the woods or ‘the watchers’ will get you. Filled with suspense and mystery, I just couldn’t put this book down until I knew what was going on and believe me when I say Shine keeps you waiting!
Shine created terror in the unseen and the unknown and I think that’s why it was so horrifying… I filled the gaps with my worst thoughts and my worst fears. Added to this Shine has a fantastic skill for creating characters, and the dynamics in the group was as intriguing to read as much as figuring out if they were going to make it out of the forest alive.
Not for the faint hearted… and should be read with the lights on 😜
This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers and why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?
I went into this book honestly not expecting much because I had read ‘The Creeper’ not too long ago and I was sadly disappointed with it. However… ‘The Watchers’ was FANTASTIC… Everything I love in a horror story.
It reminded me of old ghost tales… don’t go into the woods or ‘the watchers’ will get you. Filled with suspense and mystery, I just couldn’t put this book down until I knew what was going on and believe me when I say Shine keeps you waiting!
Shine created terror in the unseen and the unknown and I think that’s why it was so horrifying… I filled the gaps with my worst thoughts and my worst fears. Added to this Shine has a fantastic skill for creating characters, and the dynamics in the group was as intriguing to read as much as figuring out if they were going to make it out of the forest alive.
Not for the faint hearted… and should be read with the lights on 😜
July 17, 2024
Stay in the light.
I’m sure when most people see a trailer for an upcoming movie that looks good, they simply put it on their radar to either go to the theater to see it once released or to make sure to diligently Google about when it will be coming to a streaming service. But I’m not most people! I 100% always look to see if said new movie was a book first. Turns out this one was so I put in my library hold.
I’m telling you, give me a little of this . . .
With a heaping of this . . .
I’m in. I don’t care if the “wrong turn” results in monsters or inbred cannibals or masked strangers I am always down to clown in an attempt to scare the bejeesus out of myself. And I loved this one! So creepy, such a quick read and such a satisfying ending to wrap things up. I just noticed this is “book #1” – I don’t generally read past the first in a series, but I’m actually considering it this time to see what happens.
Eventually this will come to Paramount or Prime or Netflix or one of the other trillion services that take all my money monthly and I will most definitely be telling my husband . . . .
Especially since the Shyamalan family are responsible for the adaptation.
I’m sure when most people see a trailer for an upcoming movie that looks good, they simply put it on their radar to either go to the theater to see it once released or to make sure to diligently Google about when it will be coming to a streaming service. But I’m not most people! I 100% always look to see if said new movie was a book first. Turns out this one was so I put in my library hold.
I’m telling you, give me a little of this . . .
With a heaping of this . . .
I’m in. I don’t care if the “wrong turn” results in monsters or inbred cannibals or masked strangers I am always down to clown in an attempt to scare the bejeesus out of myself. And I loved this one! So creepy, such a quick read and such a satisfying ending to wrap things up. I just noticed this is “book #1” – I don’t generally read past the first in a series, but I’m actually considering it this time to see what happens.
Eventually this will come to Paramount or Prime or Netflix or one of the other trillion services that take all my money monthly and I will most definitely be telling my husband . . . .
Especially since the Shyamalan family are responsible for the adaptation.
January 28, 2022
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
I honestly don’t recall how this came to my attention. It might’ve been Gavin, here at KR, shared a photo of the book on Twitter, or fellow KR member, Simon, was raving about it, or it was on a folklore list of books, but no matter, when this one got on my radar, I snagged it immediately and threw it to the top of my TBR.
This has all of the hallmarks of what I love to read and I’m beyond pleased to say that Shine delivers on each element and masterfully, I might add.
What I liked: The story starts out simply enough. Mina is a 30-something-year-old woman who lives her life how she wants, much to the chagrin of her mother and sister. When her friend, Peter, offers her a job to deliver a tropical bird to a buddy of his, and makes $200 while doing it, it’s a no brainer.
But alas, this is dark fiction, and you can bet your rear end (what a lame choice for wording, but if I said what I wanted this review would get flagged from Amazon!) that something goes wrong.
When Mina arrives at the edge of an odd forest, her car stops working. Then she hears strange sounds as night arrives and she spends the night in her car. The next morning, with the birdcage in hand, she starts off, thinking she’ll just walk through to the other side.
Shine does a great job of giving this opening section an aloof air. A ‘all is right and no worries’ feeling, as Mina walks along, enjoying the tranquillity of nature. That all changes when she spots a light, is told to run, and her life changes forever after.
I loved the mystery and intrigue that is set up and as she meets a few other survivors, in this odd viewing home that has been made in the middle of nowhere, we get a riveting creature feature, but also a really well done psychological horror story.
Lastly, I’ll add – because this thing goes to so many places you’ll never expect (even if you think you’ve predicted events), the ending is amazing. Like, had me stunned and smiling that Shine decided to go there and give us this terrifying ending. Loved it.
What I didn’t like: You know, the only thing that really annoyed me, was that Mina made her way in (just in time) over a day, but for some reason they never tried backtracking her hike in and making it back to where her car broke down. It seemed like such an obvious option, but if they’d done that the book wouldn’t go where it went, so there’s that haha!
Why you should read this: This novel had the same urgency and blind fear that was offered up in ‘Bird Box’ by Josh Malerman. That pulse-pounding knowledge that each night, when the light clicks on, the creatures will be back, and Shine makes sure to lead us along with a tiny bit of hope from chapter to chapter. It works so well and has crafted a truly amazing, and creepy, folklore based, creature feature.
Loved this one so much!
I honestly don’t recall how this came to my attention. It might’ve been Gavin, here at KR, shared a photo of the book on Twitter, or fellow KR member, Simon, was raving about it, or it was on a folklore list of books, but no matter, when this one got on my radar, I snagged it immediately and threw it to the top of my TBR.
This has all of the hallmarks of what I love to read and I’m beyond pleased to say that Shine delivers on each element and masterfully, I might add.
What I liked: The story starts out simply enough. Mina is a 30-something-year-old woman who lives her life how she wants, much to the chagrin of her mother and sister. When her friend, Peter, offers her a job to deliver a tropical bird to a buddy of his, and makes $200 while doing it, it’s a no brainer.
But alas, this is dark fiction, and you can bet your rear end (what a lame choice for wording, but if I said what I wanted this review would get flagged from Amazon!) that something goes wrong.
When Mina arrives at the edge of an odd forest, her car stops working. Then she hears strange sounds as night arrives and she spends the night in her car. The next morning, with the birdcage in hand, she starts off, thinking she’ll just walk through to the other side.
Shine does a great job of giving this opening section an aloof air. A ‘all is right and no worries’ feeling, as Mina walks along, enjoying the tranquillity of nature. That all changes when she spots a light, is told to run, and her life changes forever after.
I loved the mystery and intrigue that is set up and as she meets a few other survivors, in this odd viewing home that has been made in the middle of nowhere, we get a riveting creature feature, but also a really well done psychological horror story.
Lastly, I’ll add – because this thing goes to so many places you’ll never expect (even if you think you’ve predicted events), the ending is amazing. Like, had me stunned and smiling that Shine decided to go there and give us this terrifying ending. Loved it.
What I didn’t like: You know, the only thing that really annoyed me, was that Mina made her way in (just in time) over a day, but for some reason they never tried backtracking her hike in and making it back to where her car broke down. It seemed like such an obvious option, but if they’d done that the book wouldn’t go where it went, so there’s that haha!
Why you should read this: This novel had the same urgency and blind fear that was offered up in ‘Bird Box’ by Josh Malerman. That pulse-pounding knowledge that each night, when the light clicks on, the creatures will be back, and Shine makes sure to lead us along with a tiny bit of hope from chapter to chapter. It works so well and has crafted a truly amazing, and creepy, folklore based, creature feature.
Loved this one so much!
October 7, 2021
The Watchers is an Irish gothic novel that not only delivers on the terror but poses a much deeper question, is there evil lurking in everyone. We can adopt a face that is acceptable to society. What is hidden beneath these faces, secrets that lie below the surface threatening to escape? With light comes a new day, a new opportunity to start again but with the darkness, the terrors can run rampant. The Watchers is a unique take on the fairy trope and all I can say is that I won’t read this bedtime story with the same viewpoint that I did before!
Mina hasn’t had an easy life. She is a struggling artist living in the city, her mother died, and her father is having a never-ending cycle with alcohol. Her sister, Jennifer tries to check up on her from time to time but Mina becomes disenfranchised with her sister’s stories of marriage, home-owning, and hiking. She feels isolated and on her own, so when she is presented with the opportunity to make some easy money taking a beautiful golden parrot to a buyer in Connemara. Her car breaks down on the perimeter of the forest, her phone doesn’t work, and she has no clue where she is….and she has no idea what the screams belong to emanating from the night.
Mina comes across a concrete building in the forest and three other occupants, Daniel, Ciara, and Madeline. They are edgy and nervous. They explain the rules of the coop and the threat of The Watchers on the outside. They can’t see them, but they can see them. Always watching. The only time they are safe is daylight hours, but the forest has no beginning and no end, so there is no hope of escape.
A.M. Shine has created something so sinister in The Watchers. It is part horror and part suspense with a cold complexity of being watched. My head was unraveled like a spinning top with the twists that kept barrelling my way. He took us down a dark and depraved but there was no looking back. He led us to the edge of a cliff and pushed the reader off when they were least expecting it.
The Watchers was a punch to the jugular. This was a quick read, I had to find out what was going to happen next. The author pulled out the rug from under me on more than one occasion. A must-read for the spooky season!
Mina hasn’t had an easy life. She is a struggling artist living in the city, her mother died, and her father is having a never-ending cycle with alcohol. Her sister, Jennifer tries to check up on her from time to time but Mina becomes disenfranchised with her sister’s stories of marriage, home-owning, and hiking. She feels isolated and on her own, so when she is presented with the opportunity to make some easy money taking a beautiful golden parrot to a buyer in Connemara. Her car breaks down on the perimeter of the forest, her phone doesn’t work, and she has no clue where she is….and she has no idea what the screams belong to emanating from the night.
Mina comes across a concrete building in the forest and three other occupants, Daniel, Ciara, and Madeline. They are edgy and nervous. They explain the rules of the coop and the threat of The Watchers on the outside. They can’t see them, but they can see them. Always watching. The only time they are safe is daylight hours, but the forest has no beginning and no end, so there is no hope of escape.
A.M. Shine has created something so sinister in The Watchers. It is part horror and part suspense with a cold complexity of being watched. My head was unraveled like a spinning top with the twists that kept barrelling my way. He took us down a dark and depraved but there was no looking back. He led us to the edge of a cliff and pushed the reader off when they were least expecting it.
The Watchers was a punch to the jugular. This was a quick read, I had to find out what was going to happen next. The author pulled out the rug from under me on more than one occasion. A must-read for the spooky season!
September 16, 2021
**This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
1.5 stars
Is there an original and interesting idea here? Yes.
But there just isn’t enough of substance to sustain a novel here, even one this short. This book should have been a short story, a short novella at most. Unfortunately, it was inflated with meaningless purple prose. This concept and even these characters, who in the framing of this novel feel stretched-out and uninspired, could have been so impactful in a shorter format.
Much like the flat characters, time didn’t feel ‘real’ in this novel. There was little difference between the passage of days, weeks, or months.
I think in a short story, the ideas of this world would have been allowed to play center stage. In the novel, it all feels cheapened by the amateurish prose and the clear lack of research. The text is meandering and inconsistent; I’m frankly shocked that it’s about to go to print in this state. This reads like a first draft; it needs significant revisions to have the impact it needs. It’s especially disappointing, I think, because I can just see how good it would have been had the fat been hacked away.
1.5 stars
Is there an original and interesting idea here? Yes.
But there just isn’t enough of substance to sustain a novel here, even one this short. This book should have been a short story, a short novella at most. Unfortunately, it was inflated with meaningless purple prose. This concept and even these characters, who in the framing of this novel feel stretched-out and uninspired, could have been so impactful in a shorter format.
Much like the flat characters, time didn’t feel ‘real’ in this novel. There was little difference between the passage of days, weeks, or months.
I think in a short story, the ideas of this world would have been allowed to play center stage. In the novel, it all feels cheapened by the amateurish prose and the clear lack of research. The text is meandering and inconsistent; I’m frankly shocked that it’s about to go to print in this state. This reads like a first draft; it needs significant revisions to have the impact it needs. It’s especially disappointing, I think, because I can just see how good it would have been had the fat been hacked away.
February 25, 2024
4.5/5
So apparently, I have NO idea what made me want to read The Watchers by A.M. Shine, but now I am sure glad I did! This was a one-sitting type of read that kept me captivated from the beginning to the very end and was creepy as hell. The vagueness of the threat keeping everyone in the bunker made it all the more terrifying, and then once you actually know what you're dealing with 😱 watch out people. The storyline moves pretty quickly, and if this was a movie, I honestly think it would be too scary for me. 😂
Listening to the audiobook made it even more chill-inducing, and I thought Jacqueline Milne was a terrific narrator. She brought Mina's fear to life and made me all the more engrossed in the story and what would happen next. Shine's imagery was incredible and made me feel like I was right there with those characters trying to stay alive and escape their prison. The end was a little ambiguous which normally I wouldn't love, but it fits perfectly with the rest of the book and I actually kinda loved it for this. If you enjoy gothic horror, I would most definitely recommend picking up The Watchers!
So apparently, I have NO idea what made me want to read The Watchers by A.M. Shine, but now I am sure glad I did! This was a one-sitting type of read that kept me captivated from the beginning to the very end and was creepy as hell. The vagueness of the threat keeping everyone in the bunker made it all the more terrifying, and then once you actually know what you're dealing with 😱 watch out people. The storyline moves pretty quickly, and if this was a movie, I honestly think it would be too scary for me. 😂
Listening to the audiobook made it even more chill-inducing, and I thought Jacqueline Milne was a terrific narrator. She brought Mina's fear to life and made me all the more engrossed in the story and what would happen next. Shine's imagery was incredible and made me feel like I was right there with those characters trying to stay alive and escape their prison. The end was a little ambiguous which normally I wouldn't love, but it fits perfectly with the rest of the book and I actually kinda loved it for this. If you enjoy gothic horror, I would most definitely recommend picking up The Watchers!
July 16, 2024
I am never going in the forest.
Also nobody look at me ever again.
Especially if you’re tall. 🗡️ back I say.
I’m spooked.
I can’t say much without spoiling it.
First read: 4 stars
Reread: 5 stars. I loved it even more. I think it’s because I was looking out for clues and saw how they were woven in. I loved it!
Also nobody look at me ever again.
Especially if you’re tall. 🗡️ back I say.
I’m spooked.
I can’t say much without spoiling it.
First read: 4 stars
Reread: 5 stars. I loved it even more. I think it’s because I was looking out for clues and saw how they were woven in. I loved it!
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